WNBL26 Award Predictions
A brand new season of the WNBL means a brand new batch of predictions from champion to Breakout Player of the Year.
A new era of the WNBL is here.
New ownership, new branding, new team names and new players means this season will have a whole different feeling.
What won’t be different is the high level of play on the court.
From returning stars to young guns and exciting imports, the action is going to be plenty of fun across the WNBL’s 2025/26 campaign.
Here are my predictions for the upcoming season…
Champions
Perth Lynx
The Lynx have spent the last four years in the top four but have no championship to show for it. To use an overrated sports saying… they’re due.
Some great teams have been put together across the competition. Bendigo should be strong again, Townsville under Shannon Seebohm is always strong, but the Lynx look the real deal.
Han Xu is a game changing addition. The Chinese star is a dominant force and near unstoppable when at full flight. Her play in the paint will also have a flow on effect for shooters like Amy Atwell and Amy Wilson who should find extra space on the perimeter. While the Lynx await their star Chinese signing to join the team, inking Brianna Turner on a short-term deal to fill the import gap is just as an important, ensuring Perth is able to secure those early season wins.
This Lynx team is the one to beat.
Robyn Maher Defensive Player of the Year
Han Xu (Perth)
A brave call considering she will around a third of the season, but we’re not here to be scared!
As mentioned, Han Xu is one of the biggest signings the WNBL has seen in recent memory. She is a big time player offensively, but she will also have a major impact on the other end of the floor.
She led the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup in blocks, and was top three earlier this year at the same tournament. Not only does she block shots, but she changes plenty more, anchoring a defence from the paint.
Her presence inside will force teams to alter their offence and shift rotations in a bid to spread the floor and draw her away from the basket, however she has shown previously she can still have an impact no matter what role she plays.
Sixth Woman of the Year
Chantel Horvat (Townsville)
It’s always tough to pick out a Sixth Woman of the Year prior to the season, but Chantel Horvat will likely be one of the key elements off the bench for the Fire.
Townsville have seven players who could easily claim a starting spot, and Horvat is likely to come in at six or seven off the bench. She has the ability to be an impact player, and in 20-25 minutes per game could average 12 points and five rebounds per game.
In a team that will likely win more games than it will lose, those numbers should put Horvat right in contention for Sixth Woman of the Year.
Betty Watson Breakout Player of the Year
Dallas Loughridge (Adelaide)
Another year further away from her ACL injury, Dallas Loughridge is going from strength-to-strength.
In the offseason Loughridge had a big NBL1 campaign, averaging 20.3 points, 4.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. It came after a strong season with the Flyers which saw her put up more than 11 points per outing.
Southside’s silver lining: Examining Dallas Loughridge’s breakout season
Loughridge has made the move to the Lightning and should be the starting point guard. Training and playing every week alongside Steph Talbot will only continue to help grow her game, in what could be a breakout campaign for the rising star.
Coach of the Year
Paul Goriss (UC Capitals)
Although the Lynx look like the champions to me, the Capitals will be the big movers in season 2025/26.
Paul Goriss is an excellent coach - with a Jade Melbourne run offence and some extra roster depth and talent, the Caps should have their sights set on the top four.
Zitina Aokuso has been an underrated pickup and alongside Nyadiew Puoch creates a pretty scary front court duo that will also have the backing of Sara Blicavs and Teige Morrell.
Keep your eye on the Caps, and keep your eye on Paul Gorriss on awards night.
PODCAST - Unwrapped: Paul Goriss
Most Valuable Player
Jade Melbourne (UC Capitals)
This looks to be the year the UC Capitals make a serious charge and leading from the front will be Jade Melbourne.
Photo credit: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
Last year she led the league in assists and averaged over 15 points per game however they finished with an 8-13 record. Although that was almost enough to see them into the playoffs, five games under .500 isn’t going to win you an MVP.
Melbourne had her best WNBA campaign to date in the offseason and now comes ready to fire with a stronger and deeper roster that could be a dark horse.
All-WNBL First Team
Jade Melbourne
Han Xu
Courtney Woods
Alissa Pili
Amy Atwell
What are your predictions for the WNBL awards this season?